Re: Mr. and Mrs. Larry J. Hudack Voyages 2701 & 2702 on the Silver Wind
Great Expectations: We had cruised on the Regent Mariner twice and Crystal Symphony and enjoyed their programs very much. We were told to expect more from Silversea. Rave reports detailing the intimate luxury that we should expect were very convincing and we looked forward to cruising with you with great anticipation. We had been told to expect superior service, spectacular entertainment, and unparalleled attention to detail. We anticipated the drink cart that would stock our suite and the personal attention we would receive at meals. Naturally, your excursion program was much complimented. Balance:
A Poor Start: We arrived at the terminal building a little early and were told we would board at 2 pm. It soon became apparent that something was wrong. Two PM came and went. Passengers lined up in anticipation of embarking. At 2:30 the line reached the entire length of the terminal building (I took pictures because it seemed so unusual). By 3 PM there was a story advanced by one of the waiters who was in the terminal to "assist" the passengers, that the boat had docked some 2 ½ hours late. Unfortunately, we knew that was not true since we had seen the Silver Wind at dockside from our hotel window early in the morning. Slowly the embarkation line began to advance at about 3 PM. The line moved forward very slowly as only two small busses were being used to shuttle passengers to the ship. Like cattle in a chute ready for an auction we advanced. Tempers were running short. The common question was "Is this the way one experiences 'ultimate luxury' cruising?" What we experienced was disorganized and demeaning. Then, as we entered the ship one of the officers advanced the idea that Chilean Customs was "the problem" and they had kept the ship waiting. We shall never know the true rationale but it was clear that communications coming from Silver Wind had a tendency to be disingenuous and self-serving. Eventually we got to our cabin at about 4:30 and breathed a sigh of relief. "Let's put that bad experience behind us" we said to ourselves.